Abstract: Micro-electromagnetically actuated latched miniature relay switches formed from laminate layers comprising a spring and magnet, electromagnetic coils, magnetic latching material, and transmission line with contacts. Preferably the miniature relay switches transmit up to about 50 W of DC or AC line power, and carry up to about 10 A of load current, with an overall volume of less than about 100 mm3. In addition to switching large power, the device preferably requires less than 3 V to actuate, and has a latching feature that retains the switch state after actuation without the need for external applied voltage or current.

Abstract: An electronic substrate or interposer comprising nanoporous films, such as anodic aluminum oxide, containing vertically etched openings (“vias”) that are filled with a conductive material, forming a high density collection of vertically oriented vias that conduct electricity from one side of the substrate to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizes photonics, particularly lasers, and biometric feedback for physiological and neurological stimulation. While many areas of the body are candidates, such laser stimulation is particularly directed to the outer ear. Lasers positioned over the ear stimulate targets on the outer ear for pain and stress management and regulation of the autonomic nervous system to affect symptoms and clinical conditions. Laser positioning, wavelength, aiming, focus, power, power density, timing, and sequencing are managed and modified dynamically in real time to effect a personalized and effective treatment protocol.

Abstract: A microfluidic component package that is readily integratable within a microfluidic system.

Abstract: A microwave waveguide switch that can route electromagnetic radiation by switching one or more first waveguides into one or more second waveguides. The device utilizes a stacked moveable routing component comprising multiple different routing configurations in a single stack. An external actuator moves the stack in such a way as to align different ports with different signal waveguides thereby achieving different routing states.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor apparatus including placing a mask over a polymeric sheet, wherein the mask is configured to block regions of the polymeric sheet, depositing a conductive structure on the polymeric sheet at regions exposed through the mask, shrinking the polymeric sheet with conductive structure patterned on its surface by heating, and transferring the conductive structure to a flexible substrate.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus including a flexible substrate and a wrinkled conductor disposed on the flexible substrate. In some embodiments, the conductor includes micro-scale invaginations. Also disclosed are methods of making a sensor apparatus, including: placing a mask over a polymeric sheet, wherein the mask is configured to block regions of the polymeric sheet, depositing a conductive structure on the polymeric sheet at regions exposed through the mask, shrinking the polymeric sheet with conductive structure patterned on its surface by heating, and transferring the conductive structure to a flexible substrate. Also disclosed are methods of sensing a health condition of a user or patient. The methods include coupling a sensor apparatus to a surface of a user or patient overlying structures to be monitored. The sensor apparatus may include a crumpled conductor capable of detecting strain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizes photonics, particularly lasers, and biometric feedback for physiological and neurological stimulation. While many areas of the body are candidates, such laser stimulation is particularly directed to the outer ear. Lasers positioned over the ear stimulate targets on the outer ear for pain and stress management and regulation of the autonomic nervous system to affect symptoms and clinical conditions. Laser positioning, wavelength, aiming, focus, power, power density, timing, and sequencing are managed and modified dynamically in real time to effect a personalized and effective treatment protocol.

Abstract: An electronic substrate or interposer comprising nanoporous films, such as anodic aluminum oxide, containing vertically etched openings (“vias”) that are filled with a conductive material, forming a high density collection of vertically oriented vias that conduct electricity from one side of the substrate to the other.

Abstract: Micro-electromagnetically actuated latched miniature relay switches formed from laminate layers comprising a spring and magnet, electromagnetic coils, magnetic latching material, and transmission line with contacts. Preferably the miniature relay switches transmit up to about 50 W of DC or AC line power, and carry up to about 10 A of load current, with an overall volume of less than about 100 mm3. In addition to switching large power, the device preferably requires less than 3 V to actuate, and has a latching feature that retains the switch state after actuation without the need for external applied voltage or current.

Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for using a tympanostomy tube as a platform for driving the middle ear. The system and method may employ a mechanical interface for driving the middle ear. In another embodiment, a hearing aid apparatus includes a direct-drive hearing device (DHD) having a silicone mold on one end, where the silicone mold has an attached magnet; and a tympanostomy tube with a ferromagnetic cap, where the tympanostomy tube is insertable into a tympanic membrane. The DHD is configured for insertion in an ear canal such that the magnet attached to the silicone mold is in contact with the ferromagnetic cap of the tympanostomy tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to an array of microstructures for biological cell sorting with each individual structure component including an integrated magnetic element.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus including a flexible substrate and a wrinkled conductor disposed on the flexible substrate. In some embodiments, the conductor includes micro-scale invaginations. Also disclosed are methods of making a sensor apparatus, including: placing a mask over a polymeric sheet, wherein the mask is configured to block regions of the polymeric sheet, depositing a conductive structure on the polymeric sheet at regions exposed through the mask, shrinking the polymeric sheet with conductive structure patterned on its surface by heating, and transferring the conductive structure to a flexible substrate. Also disclosed are methods of sensing a health condition of a user or patient. The methods include coupling a sensor apparatus to a surface of a user or patient overlying structures to be monitored. The sensor apparatus may include a crumpled conductor capable of detecting strain.

Abstract: Frequency addressable micro-actuators having one or more movable resonating elements actuators, such as cantilevers, can be forced into oscillation by, e.g., electromagnetic actuation. The movable structure is designed to latch at a certain amplitude using one of several latching techniques, such as a near-field magnetic field. In operation, the movable element is driven into resonance, producing a large amplitude, which results in the structure latching. Through resonance, a small force applied in a repeating manner can result in the latching of the actuator, an operation which would normally require a large force. If two or more units, each with different harmonic frequencies, are placed under the same influence, only the one with a harmonic response to the driving force will latch. A single influencing signal may be used to latch more than one device on demand by tuning the frequency to match the natural frequency of the device of interest.

Abstract: Micro capacitive switches and methods of manufacturing micro capacitive switches at variable nominal capacitance value using micro-structures on the contact plates of the same dimension. In a preferred embodiment, a separately manufactured contact plate can be mounted to a movable magnet in order to be actuated to “on” and “off” state of the capacitive switch. Depending on the contact plate's surface condition, variable contact capacitance at “on” state can be precisely specified by geometrical properties of the micro-structures on the surface, such as the density, size and depth.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an IC, comprising providing a substrate having a first side and a second opposite side, forming a STI opening in the first side of the substrate and forming a partial TSV opening in the first side of the substrate and extending the partial TSV opening. The extended partial TSV opening is deeper into the substrate than the STI opening. The method also comprises filling the STI opening with a first solid material and filling the extended partial TSV opening with a second solid material. Neither the STI opening, the partial TSV opening, nor the extended partial TSV opening penetrate an outer surface of the second side of the substrate. At least either: the STI opening and the partial TSV opening are formed simultaneously, or, the STI opening and the extended partial TSV opening are filled simultaneously.

Abstract: A wearable sensor apparatus is disclosed that includes a flexible substrate adapted to be coupled with a skin surface of an expectant mother. A conductor is disposed on the flexible substrate. The conductor can include micron-scale invaginations. The conductor can be capable of repeatable variation in resistance when subject to a strain. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring the health of a fetus in utero that includes a wearable sensor apparatus. The wearable sensor apparatus is configured to output a signal responsive to an electrical input. The system includes a computing system with one or more hardware processors. The computing system is programmed to implement a signal processing module configured to access the output signal from the wearable strain gauge and generate an output indicative of health of the baby in utero.

Abstract: Micro-electromagnetically actuated latched miniature relay switches formed from laminate layers comprising a spring and magnet, electromagnetic coils, magnetic latching material, and transmission line with contacts. Preferably the miniature relay switches transmit up to about 50 W of DC or AC line power, and carry up to about 10 A of load current, with an overall volume of less than about 100 mm3. In addition to switching large power, the device preferably requires less than 3 V to actuate, and has a latching feature that retains the switch state after actuation without the need for external applied voltage or current.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a user interface device includes a body adapted to overlie an outer side of a hand of a user when the device is worn by the user, elongated finger straps extending from a distal edge of the body, an elongated thumb strap extending from a side edge of the body, and a finger cot attached to a distal tip of each finger strap and the thumb strap, each finger cot being adapted to fit over a fingertip or thumb tip of the user, each finger cot comprising a discrete conductive pad that covers only a portion of the finger cot, wherein contact between the conductive pad of the finger cot of the thumb strap and the conductive pad of the finger cot of a finger strap can be detected.